Mickel Miller treble revives Hamilton’s cup hopes

Posted Wednesday, July 25, 2018 by PA

Mickel Miller’s hat-trick helped breath fresh life into Hamilton’s Betfred Cup hopes as they cruised to a 4-0 win over Berwick Rangers.

Accies’ signing from English seventh-tier outfit Carshalton Athletic opened his club account with two first-half strikes.

He wrapped up his treble from the spot after the break before Dougie Imrie added a fourth late on.

Martin Canning’s men knew victory was imperative after taking just one point from their opening two Group F games.

But they now head into Saturday’s final showdown with Airdrie clinging on to hopes of snatching a best runners-up slot.

It took Accies just five minutes to make the breakthrough at Shielfield Park as Scott McMann’s deep cross found Imrie. The midfielder did well to nod the ball back into the danger zone where Miller was lurking to power home with his head.

And another impressive drive from McMann set up the second on 29 minutes.

The Hamilton full-back left Oliver Fleming for dead as he sped to the byline before whipping a tremendous ball across the face of goal for Miller, who could not miss with his head from six yards out.

It took a good one-handed stop from Wee Gers keeper Alasdair Adams to keep out Ziggy Gordon’s long-range effort, while McMann and Miller combined once more just before the break – only for the striker to be denied his hat-trick by an offside flag.

Berwick’s best chance came nine minutes into the second period after Accies defender Lennard Sowah and keeper Ryan Fulton got in a muddle, but Jamie Todd could only redirect Gary Phillips corner straight at Fulton.

Miller completed his treble after 64 minutes as he tucked home from the spot after winning the penalty himself by luring Declan O’Kane into a trip inside the box.

And Imrie’s 25-yard strike somehow found its way into the net three minutes from the end after taking a wild deflection on its way through a crowded box.